A week had passed and Quinn still didn't hear from Santana. She knew it was her fault and Santana had every reason to leave. But Quinn wasn't about to try and track her down when she had no idea what to say and she was still indecisive about making their fling that was turning from fuck buddies to friends with benefits or something more. It was a train-wreck waiting to happen. Quinn decided she was going to spend most of her free time at work and drinking the nights away. It worked until she started crying herself to sleep when she was drunk. Quinn let out a sigh as she finished the last of her whiskey and set her cup down. She looked at her phone, but she only received text from Kurt.
Kurt
Quinn, get out of that bat cave you call a home!
Quinn scoffed. She felt her phone buzz a second time.
Kurt
Santana told me what happened. We need to have a talk pronto.
She stared at the text for a few seconds before replying.
Quinn
Stay out of my business brown-noser!
She dropped her phone on the coffee table and headed into her dark room. The alcohol wasn't working, but sometimes spending her days in the darkroom relaxed her. She gathered bins that were left in a box and picked up her gallon of developer against the wall. It was empty.
"Shit," Quinn said, placing it down.
She had a spare container but it was in her other condo. As much as she didn't want to go back she would eventually need. Quinn began to sort through her drawers for a fresh pair of clothes. If she was lucky Rachel wouldn't be home and Quinn could be out as less than a second.
Quinn arrived at the door of her old condo just as the door itself opened. She stood back, watching a guy step out and Rachel in the doorway dressed in a robe. He kissed Rachel's cheek before leaving. Quinn waited until the door was closed to move again. She opened the door just as Rachel was going to lock it.
"Quinn, what are you doing here," Rachel said, tugging at the flaps of her robe.
"I don't care about the guy Rachel," Quinn waited for Rachel to answer.
"So you're stalking me now?!"
Quinn ran a hand through her hair.
"I was coming over to get some of my photo chemicals," Quinn said. "I wasn't trying to stalk you."
Quinn shook her head. She knew it was obvious. She wasn't as clueless or stupid like Santana said before she left.
"Who you sleep with isn't my concern anymore," Quinn said, her voice stern and angry.
Quinn zipped through the house, opening a closet in the hallway and hastily gathered her chemicals. She glanced at Rachel, who had been watching her, and she headed for the door.
"Quinn?"
"Whatever Rachel," Quinn said. "It doesn't matter. We're getting a divorce anyway."
Quinn ran out, slamming the door behind her.
Another week passed. Quinn cut back on drinking, but Kurt didn't stop texting her. He threatened to show up and smack sense into her and he urged her speak with him, since talking with Santana wasn't going to happen. She continued to ignore her. Quinn holed herself up in the darkroom and come Saturday night she decided to finally have a drink. She got to two cups of Whiskey when she heard a knock at the door.
"Hi, Quinn."
She wearily eyed the guy in front of her. He wasn't the one she spotted at the condo, but for all Quinn knew Rachel could have slept with an endless amount of men.
"Yes," she said, watching him step aside.
Standing in the hallway was two other Broadway actors, one male and the other female, holding up at a hunched over and very drunk Rachel. She looked back to the guy with a glare and he cowered away from the door.
"She insisted we bring her to you after we were done celebrating our opening night," he said, fearfully.
"Q-Quinn!" Rachel said, finally spotting her.
Rachel pushed herself away from her friends and wobbled over to Quinn. She pulled her into a hug.
"Rachel, stop it," Quinn said, looking back to her friends. "Thank you. I'll take care of her."
The group left and Quinn pulled Rachel inside while trying to keep distance between her. Rachel had continued to try and hug and cuddle with Quinn. She sat Rachel on the couch and put her whiskey back into the fridge. She served Rachel a cold cup of water.
"Why did you come here Rachel," Quinn said, feeling her brows pinch together into a scowl.
She looked at Quinn confused and fumbled to get off the couch. She pulled Quinn into another hug.
"I missed y-you," Rachel said, clinging to Quinn.
Quinn felt her eyes water again and blinked them away. She bit her lip before taking Rachel by the shoulders and shoving her.
"Stop it."
Rachel stumbled back, gasping and finding her footing against the couch arm. Quinn watched her eyes gloss over as tears formed and her bottom lip jutted out into a pout. She gave out a groan. She knew Rachel had always been a needy drunk. She was lonely and years ago under different circumstances this was normal.
"Fine," Rachel said, turning around headed to the door. "I'll g-go!"
Quinn watched her stumble as she moved and noticed she didn't have her heels on anymore either. If she allowed Rachel to leave like this and she was sure Rachel didn't even come here by car, then she would feel guilty if something happened to her; divorce aside.
"Rachel, please stay here," Quinn said, following her.
"No, I'm going!"
Quinn rushed over and pulled Rachel away from the door before pinning her to the nearest wall. She peered down into Rachel's tearful eyes. She had been the one to initiate the kiss and Quinn, tipsy and her thoughts clouded from the whiskey, reacted. She felt the heat of Rachel's tears slip down her face. The only thing Quinn could think about was how strange this was. How the feel of Rachel's lips on hers didn't make her shiver and it didn't make her stomach twist and tie into a knot. The only one on Quinn's mind was Santana. She grabbed Rachel's shoulders and stepped away from the kiss.
"I can't do this," Quinn whispered, taking another step back.
"What are you talking about?"
"This doesn't feel right," Quinn said.
Quinn took a hold of Rachel arm and guided her through the house and straight to the bedroom. Rachel wiggled free once inside and faced Quinn with her arms crossed and her face stern.
"Tell me!" Rachel said.
"Rachel, please, it's late and-" Quinn said, opening her closet door in search of clothes.
"I'm not doing anything until we talk about this!"
Quinn sighed and spun around. She didn't expect Rachel to be cooperative. She was headstrong, ambitious, curious, and the list carried on, but she wasn't always this stubborn when drunk. Quinn can't remember her stubbornness being a hindrance. It's what got her the plays on broadway. It got Quinn to finally have the courage to ask her to marry her when they were younger.
"That kiss was a mistake," Quinn said, making her way back to the foot of the bed. "I'm not just saying that because of our divorce. We've grown apart. We're different people now Rachel. I'm not in love with you anymore."
Quinn watched Rachel's lip quiver and she bit her bottom lip seeing the glint of tears down Rachel's cheeks. She wiped away several tears before turning away and getting into bed. Quinn silently came over to place a quilt over Rachel as she continued to cry.
"I-"
"Please don't Quinn," Rachel said, sniffling through her sobs. "I'm so tired."
Quinn nodded stepping out the bedroom and closed the door. She leaned back against it to calm her nerves. She wiped away the tears that clouded her vision. She let out a heavy sigh and walked away.
Quinn left the following morning. The only thing Quinn could only think about was Santana. She had to make things right. She headed straight to Santana's apartment with a bottle of vodka and whiskey for herself. Quinn knew she had no reason to be here. Santana was clear on wanting to move on without Quinn around. She felt her teeth dig into her bottom lip as she watched the door open. Santana stared, speechless, and still for a moment.
"What are you doing here?" she said.
Quinn felt her heart swell and throb in the center of her chest. She expected Santana to be angry. It didn't make facing her any less easy. From the look of on her face, Quinn knew alcohol wouldn't be enough and it was a given food wouldn't be either to calm her. Quinn slowly inhaled, biting the inside of her cheek.
"Can we talk, please?" she said. Santana didn't budge. "I know I messed up and...can I come inside?"
Santana eyed her a moment longer and she stepped back before opening the door. Quinn steadily entered, feeling Santana's heated gaze on her. She dropped her bag of vodka and whiskey on the table.
"I brought drinks," Quinn said.
"It's too early to drink."
Quinn left the drinks, joining Santana into the center of the living room. Santana chose to stand at the seat further from her. Quinn remained at the armrest of the couch, clasping her hands together at the hips. This would be easier with a drink in her hand, but Santana wouldn't take her seriously if she was drunk. Quinn fished a hand into her jacket pocket and pulled out a white envelope. She twirled it between her fingers in front of Santana.
"I checked the mail this morning," she said, gripping the envelope in her right hand "I'm officially divorced now."
Quinn felt herself smile, relieved. She watched Santana's face soften.
"That's good for you Quinn," she said. "But what does this have to do with me? Why are you here?" Santana said.
Quinn took a deep breath for a moment and waited for the tension in her shoulders to leave as she slowly released it. She placed the envelope on the coffee table in front of her. She brushes away a strip of blonde hair from her eyes.
"Rachel came over last night," she whispered, looking at Santana and quickly back to the table when they made eye contact.
From the peripheral vision of her eyes, Quinn can see Santana start to frown again. She crossed her legs, taking in a tiny inhale of breath. Quinn bit her bottom lip.
"She was drunk and came on to me," Quinn said, she felt her eyebrows droop and pinch together above the bridge of her nose. "We kissed."
Santana stared at her in silence. Her frown deepened and her head tilted, looking Quinn over. Quinn looked up to see Santana had her arms crossed over her chest with her jaw clenched.
"So you came here to tell me that?"
"No!" Quinn cleared her throat. "Well, yeah, but, no. I just...it wasn't right San. I'm not in love with her anymore." She looked away and down to her feet, pursing her lips into a thin line. "I don't think either of us is. We haven't been for a long time." Quinn turns back toward Santana. "I think I needed to feel it to understand."
Santana huffed, and leaned back into her chair. Quinn hadn't seen her this patient, but it wouldn't last long.
"Okay, that's good Quinn. You're getting your shit figured out. But I still don't know why you're here!"
Quinn felt her tongue brush against the roof of her mouth and gulped. The thought of a glass of whiskey sounded appealing again. Santana frowned.
"When we first met, all I wanted was something fun, a distraction. It was supposed to keep my mind off of the mess my life was falling into," Quinn said, clenching her hand as she felt it start to shake. "I needed that. I needed you, right at that point."
She felt her hand ache and looked down to see that the blood from her knuckles was gone, turning them white. Quinn sighed. Santana arched a brow in question, waiting.
"And now?" Santana asked.
"It's not just for fun anymore," Quinn said, releasing the grip in her hands, allowing the blood to rush back in. "I miss you."
She watched Santana's face soften and her eyes lighten before they glimmered, slick with the start of tears.
"And I know I made a mistake and I know if I don't do something it'll be the biggest mistake I've ever made and I can't live with that regret," Quinn said, sighing and feeling the tension of her muscles leave.
Quinn brought her hands together, feeling them start to shake.
"Santana?" she whispered.
"Does this mean we're exclusive now," Santana said. "I don't want to wait another week not knowing."
"Yes," Quinn said. "I want to be with you."
"How do I know I can trust this is real and that we're official?" Santana asked, eyes narrowed and glaring at Quinn.
"I came here to make things right with you with every intention of making you my girl," Quinn said, reaching a hand out to take a hold of Santana's wrist. "If you would let me. I'm in love with you."
Santana stepped forward, putting her arm around Quinn's neck and pulled her into a kiss. Quinn's left hand cupped Santana's face and her right hand curled around her hips. She pushed Santana back against the love seat. She pushed Quinn back to end the kiss and brushed a hand under Quinn's shirt. Quinn pressed her forehead onto Santana's, lovingly gazing into brown smoldering eyes and shivered as she felt Santana's thumb rub against her stomach.
"I have to be honest with you," Santana whispered.
Quinn put her hands on to Santana's waist to keep her still. She felt her stomach twist into knots. Santana bit her bottom lip, taking a deep breath before kissing Quinn's cheek.
"I'm pregnant."
Quinn felt her stomach burn and ache. Santana looked back at her. She watched Quinn, trying to gauge her reaction. Quinn kept her hands on Santana; afraid moving would ruin things between them.
"H-How long," Quinn asked, feeling the buildup of tears against her lashes.
"I found out last week," Santana said. "I didn't know how to tell you. I-I didn't think you'd-"
"I want to keep it," Quinn said.
Quinn's face stretched into a smile. Santana wiped away her tears of joy. Quinn gave her a quick peck on her lips.
"I meant what I said to you. I want things between us to work and I want to raise a baby with you," Quinn said, wiping away her own tears and smiled. "I've always wanted a child. We can be parents together."
Santana brought Quinn closer for a tender and slow kiss. Quinn felt her smile against her lips with the taste of their tears. Quinn pulled back, feeling her cheeks ache as she broke into a smile of her own.
"Quinn?"
She heard a knock on the door and closed the lid to her photo paper before stepping out of her darkroom. Santana was standing outside with smears of batter on her apron.
"I need your help baking the cake and finishing the decorations," Santana said.
"Yeah, sure," Quinn said, walking into the kitchen.
On top of the table was a pile of candy, a bowl of chips with dip, and an auburn haired toddle, trying to figure out how to open the mini chocolate bars. He finally noticed the stomping of his parents and looked up, his hazel eyes wide with guilt.
"Mommy!"
Quinn came over to the table and put him on to the floor.
"Riley, I told you no candy before dinner," Quinn said, sighing and stroking his hair.
"I'm hungry mommy."
"I just fed him lunch," Santana said, making her way to the island.
Quinn leaned down, stroking his caramel tinted cheek, and kissed his forehead.
"Why don't you go upstairs and play," Quinn said. "We'll have the cake done and then your friends will be here to play with you."
"Okay," Riley said, grinning with excitement and rushed upstairs.
"We have an hour and a half before the party starts," Santana said, pouring the cake batter into a cake pan.
"I'll work on the decorations while the cake is in the oven," Quinn said, picking up a plastic bag beside the table.
Quinn walked by Santana who had just put the cake inside and kissed her cheek. Santana smiled, letting out a content sigh. She turned around to give Quinn a quick peck on her lips in return.
"I love you," Quinn said.
"You better," Santana said, with a coy smirk in place. "Why else did you marry me?"
"Your great pair of tits and amazing ass," Quinn said, chuckling as she watched Santana stare at her, her mouth agape.
Santana scoffed and whacked Quinn on the butt as she tries to run away. Quinn couldn't stop laughing as she left the kitchen with the bag of decorations. She entered the living room and opened the package to the party table cloth that had the words Happy Birthday printed on it with colorful letters.
"Kurt!" Riley yelled, rushing toward the door.
"Hey birthday boy!" Kurt said, picking Riley up into a hug. "How old are you today?"
"Five. I'm a big now," he said, with a smile.
Kurt laughed and set him back down. Quinn approached the door with Santana, taking Kurt's coat.
"Hi Kurt," Quinn said, stuffing it into the nearest closet. "Where's Blaine?"
"He went to park the car," Kurt said, striding farther into the room.
He watched a row of children run through the living room, screaming, laughing, and covered with confetti. Riley took a hold of Kurt's hand and pulled him forward.
"Kurt, wanna play with me?"
"Sure buddy, lead the way."
Quinn watched Kurt be taken to the backyard. She looked over to Santana who joined her and put an arm around Quinn's waist.
"We shouldn't have given those kids chocolate," Quinn said.
"Wait until we cut the cake." Santana added, sliding her hand into Quinn's.
Quinn slammed face down into her bed with a grunt. Santana rolled her eyes as she changed into a pair of pajamas.
"I'm exhausted!" she said.
"Did you tuck Riley in," Santana asked, pulling on a pair of shorts.
"Yes," Quinn said, remaining still with her face buried into her pillow.
Santana put on her t-shirt and got into bed. She nudged Quinn into the arm. She was given another grunt.
"Get changed," she said, rolling on to her side.
"Don't wanna," Quinn whimpered. "Do it for me?"
Santana scoffed.
"You're a bigger baby than Riley sometimes."
Quinn rolled on to her back with a scowl. Santana raised a brow at her, smiling. She kissed Quinn's forehead.
"Thank you for helping me with the party," Santana said, watching Quinn roll on to her side.
They had a kiss goodnight and Santana rolled over, facing her back to Quinn. She heard the nightstand light click off and Quinn lifted the quilt to settle in. Quinn scooted in closer, placing her hand on Santana's hip and kissed her shoulder. The kisses traveled to Santana's neck and her hand began to travel underneath Santana's shirt and up her stomach. Santana turned around, seeking out Quinn's lips in the dark for a passionate kiss.
"Love you," Santana whispered.
Quinn smiled, shivering when she felt Santana's hands pull down her zipper and opened the button.
"I love me too," she said, laughing when Santana pinched her thigh.
The bedroom door opened, pushing in a line of light from the hallway. Santana moved back on her side, while Quinn fixed her pants under the blanket. The room light flicked on and Riley stood in the door way with a pout.
"Hey baby, what are you doing up?" Santana said, pushing back the blanket and sat up.
Riley slowly made his way to the bed.
"I can't sleep," he said, struggling to crawl into bed.
Santana helped him get up and placed him in between her and Quinn.
"He's still scared of that closet?" Quinn whispered, looking back at Santana.
"Can I sleep here tonight?" Riley asked, pouting.
Quinn sat up against the headboard.
"I thought you were a big kid now?" she said, stroking his hair.
"I'll be big tomorrow. I promise mommy," Riley said, nodding. "I want to be big tomorrow."
Quinn laughed and lifted up the quilt.
"Alright buddy."
Riley quickly crawled his way inside and laid face down. She lay down and Santana got out of bed to shut off the room light. She kept the hallway light on and left the door slightly ajar. Quinn watched Riley's eyes slowly close until his chest started to steadily rise and fall. She looked across to Santana who had been watching her and they smiled, locking their hands together above Riley's head on the pillows. She couldn't have a family more perfect than this one.